Living in Finland: Finnish Educational System

Summary: Saviaro provides an overview of the Finnish educational system for expat interested in exploring local schools.

Choosing the right school and day care is important for the whole family. If you are moving to Finland for a longer period you would probably like to choose a local school, if you are not "afraid of Finnish language" or you may prefer an international school. Most major cities have good quality local and international schools, but likely to have a waiting list.

The Finnish Education system

Pre-School education

In the Finnish education system each child has the right to pre-school education one year prior to commencement of their basic education, free of charge. In Helsinki, pre-school education is provided by day-care centres and a few schools. All pre-school groups follow the same curriculum. Pre-school education supports children's ability to learn, life management and teamwork skills. The objective is for children to experience joy through learning and doing. Operating periods and holidays are the same as at comprehensive schools. Children of the-school age are still entitled to day care.

Comprehensive school

Comprehensive schools provide basic education (primary and lower secondary levels) and their tasks include both teaching as well as broader educational role. Their objectives are to provide each pupil with the opportunity for diverse growth and learning and for development of healthy self-esteem. All comprehensive schools provide good basis skills, knowledge and sufficient all-round learning.

Basic education and learning materials are provided free of charge at all schools maintained by the City, at private contracting schools and at state-owned schools. Private specialised schools may charge enrolment and tuition fees.

Education is universally mandatory in Finland. School attendance is compulsory for all children, including foreign citizens who reside permanently in Finland.

Compulsory education starts in the autumn of the year in which the child turns to seven, an ends when the pupil has completed the nine-year comprehensive school or turned 17.

The foreign language schools are either privately run or maintained by the state. In addition, some comprehensive schools offer special classes where the teaching is either bilingual or entirely in a foreign language. Both foreign and Finnish students can study at such schools. Finnish-speaking students usually start in the school's own kindergarten or preschool class. Those coming from abroad can apply to enter any grade at school.

Higher education

Higher education is divided between polytechnics and universities.

Non-formal adult education

Non-formal adult education is a typically Finnish and Nordic model of adult education. In this model those over 15 years of age voluntarily educate themselves to develop as individual and citizens, and to gain information and skills related to areas of their own interest.

More information: www.edu.hel.fi

About the Author

Marja Saviaro has an M.A. in Adult Education. She is a Director and Consultant in Return Ticket Company, a company established in 1997; which offers training and advice on the personnel aspects of internationalisation. General objectives are to increase corporate readiness to meet the challenges faced by personnel management in relocating and adjusting employees and their families to new cultural surroundings and later back home.

Saviaro lived and worked in Zambia for seven years, first as an accompanying spouse and later working in the Finnish Embassy. After returning back home she worked in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Training Section, for seven years.